Video: MINI Countryman WRC spotted during test sessions in France

Today we came across a video of MINI Countryman WRC, recorded during a test session in France, at Chateau Lastours. The pilots behind the wheel …

Today we came across a video of MINI Countryman WRC, recorded during a test session in France, at Chateau Lastours. The pilots behind the wheel are Kris Meeke and Daniel Sordo.

MINI Countryman WRC is developed by Prodrive in cooperation with MINI, and is based on the production version. MINI WRC is powered by a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder Di turbo-charged engine. The power transmission takes place via an Xtrac 6-speed, sequential gearbox. For its outings on the rally stages, the MINI Countryman chassis has been fitted with a roll cage developed by Prodrive, which exceeds the strict safety.

The test car is running with an interim body and aero package, while the design of the final World Rally Car bodywork is underway. As we can see in the video, the car is still covered with the usual camouflage seen on prototypes and test vehicles.

The company began development of the car in 2009, and it is a joint project with Prodrive.

The 2011 World Rally Championship will see the new MINI WRC contesting in six of 13 scheduled rounds, with MINI competing in the full 2012 season. MINI WRC will make its debut in May 2011.